Manly is made for walking – and not just along the beach. The headlands, harbour coves and coastal bush that frame this part of Sydney reveal themselves gradually, on trails that range from a gentle morning stroll to a half-day along one of the country's great coastal paths.
Most of it starts just outside the door. From the dramatic clifftops of North Head – where WWII history sits quietly within the bushland – to the long harbour walk from Spit Bridge, the secluded coves of Crater Cove, the reservoir trails of Manly Dam, and the sweeping coastal stretch north to Dee Why, the walks here cover ground that few visitors expect to find in a Sydney suburb.
Elysium Manly sits steps from the sand and within easy reach of the trails below.
Manly to Spit Bridge
One of Sydney's finest harbour walks, the Manly Scenic Walkway runs 10km between Manly Beach and Spit Bridge through some of the most quietly beautiful stretches of Middle and North Harbours.
The trail moves through coastal bush and boardwalks, past sandy coves and clifftop lookouts. Highlights include the Aboriginal rock engravings at Grotto Point, the panoramic views from Dobroyd Head and Crater Cove – where a cluster of historic fishing shacks, built as weekend retreats from the 1920s onwards, still cling to the clifftop – and the calm harbour beaches at Forty Baskets and Clontarf Reserve, both worth a swim if the day allows.
Allow three and a half to four and a half hours one way. The track involves stairs and uneven sections; not suitable for prams or wheelchairs. Most walk it from Spit Bridge toward Manly, finishing with a coffee near the wharf before catching the ferry back to the city.
~10km one way | 3.5–4.5 hours
Shelly Beach Lookout Walk
A short walk from Elysium Manly, but one that earns its distance. From the southern end of Manly Beach, the path follows the Eco Sculpture Walk around Cabbage Tree Bay – eleven works set into the coastline, with notes on the bay's marine life, history and native species. The route passes the historic Fairy Bower sea pool before arriving at Shelly Beach, one of Sydney's best snorkelling spots.
From Shelly Beach, a natural bush path climbs to the headland lookout, where the Northern Beaches stretch out in both directions. The path is uneven; solid shoes are worth wearing. Keep an eye out for water dragons along the way – they're a fixture of this stretch of coastline.
Around 20–25 minutes from Elysium Manly to the lookout. The Boathouse at Shelly Beach is a natural stop on the way back.
~3km return | 45–60 minutes
North Head Walk
One of Sydney's most rewarding coastal walks, the North Head loop runs approximately 10km from Manly Beach out to the outermost point of Sydney Harbour and back. The trail takes in ocean views, the Sydney CBD skyline, harbour headlands and the largely untouched bushland of Sydney Harbour National Park – and forms part of the 80km Bondi to Manly walk.
Begin at the Queenscliff end of Manly Beach, follow the path to Shelly Beach, then ascend through the national park to North Head. The Fairfax Walk, at the tip of North Head Scenic Drive, loops around the headland with sweeping views over the harbour heads – particularly striking at dawn. From here, the North Head Sanctuary offers additional trails, Spring Wildflower Walks run by the Sanctuary Foundation, and tours of North Fort, where WWII gun emplacements and tunnels remain largely intact. The Bluefish Track near Bluefish Point offers an alternative return route back to Shelly Beach.
Allow two and a half to three hours, more if you stop – and there is plenty of reason to. Grade 2: easy to moderate, suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some sections are not suitable for prams or wheelchairs.
~10km loop | 2.5–3 hours
Manly To Dee Why
A straightforward coastal walk with views the entire way. Beginning at the southern end of Manly Beach, the trail runs 8km north through Queenscliff, Freshwater Beach and Curl Curl before finishing at Dee Why – each section distinct in character, from the headland lookouts above Queenscliff to the dunes and wetlands at Curl Curl.
Highlights include the panoramic views from Queenscliff Headland, the surf history of Freshwater Beach – home to Australia's first surf lifesaving club – and the wilder stretch through Curl Curl's coastline. Between May and November, humpback whales are regularly spotted from the headlands.
Allow two and a half to three hours at an easy pace. The trail combines paved paths, boardwalks, bush tracks and beach crossings, with some stairs and uneven sections. Moderate fitness recommended. Return by bus from Dee Why.
~8km one way | 2.5–3 hours
Manly Dam Walk
Ten minutes from Elysium Manly by car, Manly Dam – formally the Manly-Warringah War Memorial Park – is Sydney's largest freshwater lake and one of the Northern Beaches' most quietly rewarding escapes. Created by damming Curl Curl Creek in 1892, the reserve spans dense bushland with traces of Aboriginal camps throughout, several threatened flora and fauna species, and a network of trails that range from a 15-minute stroll to a full three-hour circuit.
The dam is frequented by walkers, mountain bikers, swimmers and birdwatchers. An interactive map is available on site. Accessible by bus from Manly Wharf, or by car via King Street, Manly Vale.
Trails at a glance
Park Circuit Track – 7.3km, around 3 hours. The main circuit, with birdwatching, frog spotting, waterfalls and rock pools. Includes the Wetlands Walk through the ecosystem formed by the original damming. Some steep sections.
Aboriginal Self-Guided Walk (Gulgadya Muru) – 350m to 8km, 20 minutes to 3 hours. A circuit through the landscape as understood by its original inhabitants – rock engravings, paintings and ancient camp remains along the way. Brochures available at Manly Council libraries and the dam itself.
Curl Curl Track – 2km circuit, around 1 hour. Mostly easy, through forest and rock pools. Echidnas are a regular sighting.
Nature Trail – 1.5km, approximately 40 minutes. Sandstone cliffs and scenic views. Starts next to the interpretive map near the main gate.
Eva's Track – 2km circuit, around 1 hour. Rock platforms and views over Manly. Easy walking.
McCombs Hill Track – 1km, around 25 minutes return. Good elevated views of the surrounding area.
Wildflower Walk – 350m, about 15 minutes each way. A gentle path through dense woodland, best in wildflower season.
Crater Cove Walk
One of Manly's least-visited walks, and one of its most rewarding. The Dobroyd Head trail runs through Sydney Harbour National Park along the quieter northern foreshore – coastal scrub, shaded bush tracks and clifftop lookouts over Middle Harbour toward Balmoral and Sydney Heads.
The standout is Crater Cove itself. A short detour from the main track leads to a row of timber huts built into the cliffs in the 1930s – simple weekend retreats, now preserved in place and visible from the path. They are the kind of thing that stops you mid-walk.
Reef Beach, tucked below the headland, is a natural stop for a swim. Arabanoo Lookout offers sweeping views over the harbour entrance, and Dobroyd Head is a reliable whale-watching vantage point between May and November.
Loops range from 3 to 6km depending on starting point – Clontarf Reserve, Cutler Road or Castle Rock Beach. Well-marked and moderately graded, with some stairs and uneven sections. No facilities on the trail; Clontarf Reserve has toilets and a café nearby. Connects to the Spit Bridge to Manly walk for those with a full day.
~3–6km | 1.5–2.5 hours
